Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen suffered a concussion in Sunday's 31-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On the Panthers' final offensive play, Clausen was stuffed short of the goal line. Right as the play ended, two Tampa Bay players allegedly hit Clausen late helmet-to-helmet in order to push him back. Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith took a 15-yard penalty for shoving one of the defenders who hit Clausen late. "Despite what people might think, actually I am a team player and I'll do it again, and I'll do it 10 out of 10 times, 100 out of 100 times," Smith said of the penalty. "Guys going in there, he goes head first in there, so I'm going to follow." Clausen's status is uncertain next week, but if he can't play then rookie Tony Pike, a sixth round pick out of Cincinnati will start in his place.

Fantasy Analysis:

Sunday proved to be a decent performance for the struggling Panthers' offense. There were no egregious errors, only one turnover and Clausen was solid, at least compared to his previous performances. Unfortunately for him, he's now likely out for next week. The Panthers were already without starting quarterback Matt Moore and their two best running backs, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. It's been a long season for Carolina, who are now 1-8 after the Tampa loss. Clausen is mostly a keeper league holdover for those hoping he puts something together long-term, but he's shown very little promise thus far. The lone bright spot on offense just might be converted third-down back Mike Goodson who rushed for 100 yards yesterday. Considering the lack of fantasy players on Carolina this season, Goodson might prove to be a quality late-season add to help teams take the next step.